4 What is the purpose of Graduate Studies? To provide advanced study/skills building in an academic discipline or profession To allow more focused/in-depth study and more self-directed learning Professional development, advancement: adds value to your undergraduate degree; provides more marketable skills; expands career possibilities.

5 Work Load? Smaller classes and seminars allow for more interaction Programs have a research component Typical program: 3-5 courses plus a thesis or major research paper OR for course-only (Master s) programs, 7-9 courses In the professional programs: 6-9 courses + practicum or work placement (1-2 year programs)

6 Why do it? An MA or MSc: a basis for career advancement Skills building a stepping stone to a PhD degree and a university teaching career A Master s degree in a professional or applied discipline (e.g., MSW, MFin, MBA, Master of Music Therapy, Master of International Public Policy, etc.): provides preparation for work in the profession necessary for professional accreditation may also lead to doctoral level study

7 Research Potential Programs Talk to faculty members at Laurier Talk to current grad students Ask graduates working in your field Search for print and online resources Contact admission reps and faculty members at the prospective schools If possible, visit the schools and tour the departments

9 Research Potential Programs Target programs that best meet your interests, goals, and abilities Find admission requirements, deadlines (range from Dec. - Feb. for September admission; check to see if there are other term starts for programs) Reputation of university, department, program Research interests of faculty

10 How to Choose Never too early to start thinking about applying. Program options (course-only, thesis based, full- or parttime) Average time to completion of degree Tuition and sources of financial aid Consider community: quality of life issues (e.g., cost of housing, transportation) Does it meet professional designation requirements? Apply to 4-5 programs admission is competitive

11 Admission Criteria 4-year honours degree: minimum B+ average in last 1-2 years of study Many professional programs admit students from other fields of study, with certain prerequisites (or expect you to remain in program longer) No honours degree? - May be possible to do a qualifying year The application package

12 Application Package Application Forms Transcripts Graduate Admissions Test (if applicable) Statement of Interest/Letter of Intent CV/Resumé Portfolio/Sample of Work Letters of Reference **The Career Centre can help you with all stages of the application process

13 Application Process Apply online through the individual university s website For Laurier: For other types of programs, there may be a centralized site: Colleges: Teacher Education: Law School: Rehabilitation Sciences: Medical School: Nursing/Pharmacy:

14 Transcripts For applications to most Ontario universities, transcripts for previous studies in Ontario may be requested via the online process For other applications, order transcripts through the Service Laurier

16 Statement of Interest/Letter of Intent Introduction to the admissions committee Tailor each statement to the specific program Focus on accomplishments and experiences be positive Discuss what value you will add to the program Make your statement stand out from the rest make it personal If answering specific questions, look at the wording of the question

17 Statement of Interest / Letter of Intent Questions to consider: Why are you applying to this program? Why is this school/program a good fit? What are your career goals? What are your research interests? How to address any weaknesses in your application? **Ensure your statement is free of spelling/grammatical errors

19 Portfolio/Sample of Written Work For programs such as design, journalism, etc., a portfolio may be required Many academic programs ask for a sample of written work

20 Letters of Reference How to best prepare for requesting a strong letter of reference? Who should you ask? Asking for a supportive letter Importance?

21 How much does it cost? At Laurier: MA/MSc/PhD: $2774/term MMT/MSW: $3655/term MFin: $7717/term MBA: $9259/term Remember: you will be enrolled all year (3 terms) for at least one year for a master s; 3 or 4 for a PhD

22 Financial Aid Laurier guarantees a minimum level of support for students in certain types of programs: in research-intensive master s programs: average of $13,000 in doctoral programs: $19,000 (average=$27,200+) Check guarantees of other universities carefully and get funding commitment in writing: wide variation Get clarity on what components factor into funding (TA, RA, studentships, etc.) Find out if you are free to work in other capacities to augment income.

23 Components of Financial Aid Teaching Assistantships (TAs) helping professors with undergraduate pedagogy (course design, classroom teaching, grading) maximum of 10 hours/week (on average) up to 130 hours total/term on campus work Scholarships (internal university & external: SSHRC, NSERC, CIHR, OGS) Research Assistantships (RAs) professors pay from a research grant for help with research project Studentships (Training Stipend) professors provide training support from a research grant to a student working on a research project; student makes intellectual contribution to project

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